Nestled off the west coast of Florida, Anna Maria Island stretches along the Gulf of Mexico, where Tampa Bay meets the Gulf’s pristine waters. Boasting an enviable beachfront, the island has become a popular destination for filmmakers, local visitors, and tourists. Drawn by the sun, white sands, and surf, visitors also take advantage of a robust set of shops and services devoted to what some might call the serious business of fun.
Many visitors content themselves with wandering along the beach or simply relaxing in the glow of a near-tropical sunset. For the more adventurous, however, the water’s edge at Anna Maria Island has a draw that can prove hard to resist. For those who want a closer encounter with the Gulf’s waves of crystalline blue, each of Anna Maria Island’s three cities offers a variety of watersports.
For pure family fun, the kayak can’t be beat. Exploring the coastline at a leisurely pace, kayaks are at home in the gentle waters close to Anna Maria Island’s shore, and canoes are also available to rent. In the heart of Florida’s west coastline, Anna Maria Island sits in close proximity to a number of other islands, including spots of natural interest, and the waterways of Tampa Bay are easily navigable by the wide variety of boats available for rent. Families and nature buffs also enjoy trips in search of the shells, birds, and other wildlife unique to the area surrounding Anna Maria Island.
Parasailing promises something more in the way of active fun for the adrenalin junkies, while the clear waters around Anna Maria Island make scuba diving particularly popular. Whether exploring wrecks (perhaps in the hunt for buried treasure) or sampling the beauty of nature’s bounty, divers can take advantage of the island’s extensive shallow coastline, and the staff at the local historical society can advise on important spots to visit. Deep-sea fishing, aided by expert charter services, rounds out the watersports on offer at Anna Maria Island. Odds are, there’s something on the island for everyone.
